Nichols named head buyer at Oddbins

Nichols, who has worked on and off for the company since 1996, officially took up the post on Monday 1 August, and told Harpers that the search for another buyer is already under way.

Nichols worked in Oddbins branches before joining the buying team. She then left to become a buyer at Safeway, and then for a marketing manager's post at Vinoceros. She rejoined Oddbins in November last year as a senior buyer, covering Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Greece, as well as sparkling and fortified wines.

She said: I'm very excited. Obviously, Lynne is a tough act to follow, but I worked with her for five years. There is pressure to perform in a job like this, but I'm confident, and I've had so much support from the rest of the Oddbins team. And with Lynne staying on since announcing her departure, all of buying and promotions for Christmas has already been done.'

Nichols said that the buying team's areas may change depending on who is recruited, but in an ideal world', the new addition would take on Coyle's areas, namely France, Spain, Italy and Champagne. Nichols added that she was not anxious to give up Australia and New Zealand'.

Coyle, who was with Oddbins for 18 years, announced her departure in June, which saw the last of the pioneering team of buyers that helped establish Oddbins in the mid-90s, including Grant Ramage and Tony Allen, leave the company.